Finding a Ruby For this Particular Mount

[dk168]

Here is a pic of my 9.07x10mm Blue Zircon on my Size 7.75 US finger for size comparison:



Glad to hear the OP is opting for a better semi-mount, as I too have reservations about durability of the one posted in the first post.

Nothing against Far East/Chinese vendors, as my go-to bench is based in China and I have had a number of nice rings made by them. I just do not feel that particular semi-mount would stand up to being worn regularly.

DK

 

[Bron357]

This is my Victorian ie antique diamond and ruby ring. It's very pretty and these types of rings are surprisingly well priced and if you can find a style you like and maybe even a ruby you like to reset in another ring. I know this ruby isn't treated or glass filled, they weren't doing this in the 1800!

 

[DDOC]

Hi Bron357,
They have actually been faking Ruby and other gems for several thousand years, the earliest mentions of the various process's in books are dated to about 50 BC, but there are Egyptian papyrus texts that descibe fake Rubies.
Synthetic Corundum was perfected in the late 1800's, and heat treating naturals has been around since they first mined stones.
This can make for an interesting read.
http://www.ruby-sapphire.com/brief-history-heat.htm

 

[Bron357]

Hi, yeah of course. What I was meaning was that there's far more "technical" synthetics and treatments available now than there was in the 1800s. These days they can create atomically correct gems that you need very specialised equipment to identify. A genuine antique ring like mine is more likely to have a natural gem, all other idicators being equal, than a modern ring from an unknown source.

 

[partgypsy]

https://www.rubylane.com/item/1534733-14310056/Natural-Ruby-Diamond-Vintage-Mid-Century?search=1

If your intended is flexible on design, I would suggest going vintage. I think the above is beautiful, and in a size 8

 

[partgypsy]

The reason why people mention Stuller is you can order the right size and they are solid settings that do not cost an arm and a leg.

there is a 7 x 5 ruby on this site in your price range (rest of out your range)
http://www.mineralminers.com/html/rbygems.stm

 

[Bron357]

I agree here. You probably couldn't get this ring made for $1,700 even if you supplied the gems. That's the big benefit with buying vintage or antique, all that beautiful quality workmanship for such a reasonable price.

 

[Niel]

Based on your statements , she doesn't seem to care about treatments of the ruby.

That's why I'm going to share this. Notice it's a size 10, and it as some random cert that says it's a natural ruby whatever that's worth
link

 

[Niel]

This one needs some questions answered. They say it has a certificate of authenticity. Ask them about that. Also, what size is this? For your girlfriend I much prefer the previous ring but just posting as I find :
link

 

[qubitasaurus]

I am going to jump on the band wagon of foisting lower quality options you can compare against (although I am secretly hoping you opt for Niel's first suggestion, as I personally think that she nailed it ). These have no certs so it is anyones guess as to how treated they are (note both have bothersome inclusions):

https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/...ruby-ring-in-14k-white?ref=shop_home_active_5

and

https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/...-engagement-ring-with?ref=shop_home_active_46

I hope you find something you both love.

edited to add one more:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/1-75ct-est-ruby-halo-ring#.V7haSiT09tM

 

[rene_jewelry]

Any quality ruby values way over the settings.
Any setting can be crafted by a good jeweler, it can be cast or better hand made.
To find a good and expensive ruby that will fit your cheaper setting is the wrong way.
First, buy the ruby, only after you have it take it to a good jeweler. He will build your setting around the ruby.

If we make the setting out of our studio. I send the goldsmith a 3D print of the gemstone so he can build the setting around the gemstone to for a perfect fit.
never first setting than the ruby.



If you find a good quality gold and diamonds (normal quality) handmade setting for 1K you got a good price.

Rene

 

[rene_jewelry]

Hi, yeah of course. What I was meaning was that there's far more "technical" synthetics and treatments available now than there was in the 1800s. These days they can create atomically correct gems that you need very specialised equipment to identify. A genuine antique ring like mine is more likely to have a natural gem, all other idicators being equal, than a modern ring from an unknown source.

My wife got an amazing 13ct sapphire pink almost padparadscha in a rose gold ring
She got it from her grandmother who got it from her grandmother; The ring is in the family from the 1800s. I checked it with my equipment and found it to be corundum.my gemological lab found that it is synthetic.
It was created in Russia more than 100 years ago.
2 years ago I repolished it. It looks better than many of my sapphires

 

[Nsmike]

This antique three stone ring would work http://ivyandrose.com/antique-1-25ct-old-mine-diamond-ruby-3-stone-cocktail-ring-band-vintage-14k-gold.html.... It's a 7 1/2 but the it should be easily resizable. It's believed that the ruby is synthetic but original to the ring which is estimated to be over 100 years old.

Glad someone posted this! I almost did a few days ago but wasn't sure if it was allowed bc of the synthetic center stone. But I think it's beautiful!

I took my cue from the diamond side where they have a forum for lab created diamonds. Some one can correct me, but I think lab created gems, that exist in nature, can be discreetly discussed. It's simulants and lab created gems that don't exist in nature that you want to stay away from. I think that when discussing synthetics we need to be very clear about what we are discussing. Natural stones have a rarity value which man made stones simply don't.

 

[Niel]

This antique three stone ring would work http://ivyandrose.com/antique-1-25ct-old-mine-diamond-ruby-3-stone-cocktail-ring-band-vintage-14k-gold.html..... It's a 7 1/2 but the it should be easily resizable. It's believed that the ruby is synthetic but original to the ring which is estimated to be over 100 years old.

Glad someone posted this! I almost did a few days ago but wasn't sure if it was allowed bc of the synthetic center stone. But I think it's beautiful!

I took my cue from the diamond side where they have a forum for lab created diamonds. Some one can correct me, but I think lab created gems, that exist in nature, can be discreetly discussed. It's simulants and lab created gems that don't exist in nature that you want to stay away from. I think that when discussing synthetics we need to be very clear about what we are discussing. Natural stones have a rarity value which man made stones simply don't.

No, we aren't able to talk about lab colored stones period, actually.

 

[RubyGent]

Hi all,

The more I talk with my girlfriend, the More that I am realizing how much she loves the design and Mount of the original i posted. We went to a jeweler today who showed us a pigeon red Ruby that was cut like a diamond, which she fell In love with.

I believe he said it's right around 5mm , 0.5 carrot and the Price is $1300 for the stone and about the Same to custom make the mount. He said that it is not certified but he can get it certified for $150 if I wanted. I am worried a bit that the stone Will look to small, but he said he doesn't think so. I just up to know have not seen such a beautiful ruby.

We looked at some cheaper one's as well, and the nice one is on the right In this picture. All the other jewelers that Ihave talked to have shown me ruby closer to the Left obes.What do you all think?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b3ego88mqsricrl/20160820_150926.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ttp6cygzag2m799/20160820_145701.jpg?dl=0

Here is a video

https://youtu.be/OR-YS9NzU_4

He did also say that he would be happy for me to find my own stone and still build the Ring, but he would just charge 100 for the mounting then. The one thing that I also like about him is he stands by the ring for the life if any of the small diamonds fall out, as well as cleaning and polishing and resizing. That makes me feel like he really stands by his product.

I'm just really worried about the size but I have not seen a Ruby shine like this elsewhere and have been mesmerized.

 

[RubyGent]

I think that this is a reasonably good stone http://www.gemsny.com/loose-ruby/1.13-Carat-Round-Ruby-R20131RD/
Gems NY has a very nice gem finder app on their site.
The red sapphire that I posted earlier does meet the GIA definition a ruby. The GIA's definition is corundum where the primary color component is red. I found this one because the OP indicated that his fiance liked more pink hued stones.

What does everyone think about this stone also? It looks like there is a 20 percent discount which makes this quite a bit more affordable. The guy at the store said the one I liked so much shined as much as it did because it's cut like a diamond. Can that be true? If so, i am wondering if I should look to try and find that kind of cut?

Also, is it okay to buy a stone from Burma? I have been reading and I know there was a ban a little while ago.

 

[qubitasaurus]

She loves it, and you can get a cert (ask for agl or gia). I'm not sure anything else matters . I think burmese stones are fine, as long as they have been improted into the US before the embargo. So I wouldn't stress about that.

Another thing to consider is that, when you ask a jewler to set an outside stone you will probably have to sign paper work absolving the jewler of any responsibility if the stone chips during the setting process. This is standard practice. I am not sure it is worth taking on that risk for the gemsny stone -- it just doesn't look that great to me.

By the way I'm expecting someone may remove the links to your dropbox. So I'm uploading them for you.

 

[arkieb1]

You need to get a ruby from anywhere certified. A stunning bright vivid red ruby can be glass filled and unless you have a scope and training you will never know the difference. Many vendors will sell you one for $1000+ when in fact they are worth closer to $20.00. Most rubies have been heated and can have minor residues or they can be untreated, this along with colour and clarity have a HUGE impact on price.

The $330.00 setting looks and feels like a $330.00 setting ie one that will fall to bits with every day wear in less than 6 months. Go for something that is more substantial that will last.

 

[Niel]

She loves it, and you can get a cert (ask for agl or gia). I'm not sure anything else matters . I think burmese stones are fine, as long as they have been improted into the US before the embargo. So I wouldn't stress about that.

Another thing to consider is that, when you ask a jewler to set an outside stone you will probably have to sign paper work absolving the jewler of any responsibility if the stone chips during the setting process. This is standard practice. I am not sure it is worth taking on that risk for the gemsny stone -- it just doesn't look that great to me.

By the way I'm expecting someone may remove the links to your dropbox. So I'm uploading them for you.

I've never had to sign anything. I'm expected to take on any liability when setting but I've had lots of my own stones set and that has never happened.


Op sounds like you have a plan! Question. What do you fine unacceptable for treatment , meaning, the cert he will get, what could it say that would make you not want that stone. If it comes back with unacceptable treatment, what will the jeweler do?

 

[qubitasaurus]

She loves it, and you can get a cert (ask for agl or gia). I'm not sure anything else matters . I think burmese stones are fine, as long as they have been improted into the US before the embargo. So I wouldn't stress about that.

Another thing to consider is that, when you ask a jewler to set an outside stone you will probably have to sign paper work absolving the jewler of any responsibility if the stone chips during the setting process. This is standard practice. I am not sure it is worth taking on that risk for the gemsny stone -- it just doesn't look that great to me.

By the way I'm expecting someone may remove the links to your dropbox. So I'm uploading them for you.

I've never had to sign anything. I'm expected to take on any liability when setting but I've had lots of my own stones set and that has never happened.


Op sounds like you have a plan! Question. What do you fine unacceptable for treatment , meaning, the cert he will get, what could it say that would make you not want that stone. If it comes back with unacceptable treatment, what will the jeweler do?

Wierd , I never considered the possability that this might not be true everywhere. I just asked a bunch of jewlers what their policy was, and accepted it as fair.

Also the second point is a really good question.

 

[RubyGent]

She loves it, and you can get a cert (ask for agl or gia). I'm not sure anything else matters . I think burmese stones are fine, as long as they have been improted into the US before the embargo. So I wouldn't stress about that.

Another thing to consider is that, when you ask a jewler to set an outside stone you will probably have to sign paper work absolving the jewler of any responsibility if the stone chips during the setting process. This is standard practice. I am not sure it is worth taking on that risk for the gemsny stone -- it just doesn't look that great to me.

By the way I'm expecting someone may remove the links to your dropbox. So I'm uploading them for you.

I've never had to sign anything. I'm expected to take on any liability when setting but I've had lots of my own stones set and that has never happened.


Op sounds like you have a plan! Question. What do you fine unacceptable for treatment , meaning, the cert he will get, what could it say that would make you not want that stone. If it comes back with unacceptable treatment, what will the jeweler do?

I guess I need to learn how to read a lab report and decide what I'm okay with. I just don't want to happen what arkieb1 is suggesting. I don't like to get ripped off, obviously no one likes that, haha.

It seems that what I would want to make sure is that there isn't any fracture filling. Heat treatment is okay, though I am wondering what your think about that given the price? What other things would i look out for? Also does anyone know how it costs to certify at agl or gia?

That's kind of why I'm wondering if I should be buying from online with the help of you wonderful people.

For instance, this looks like a bigger stone, also seems to be cut like a diamond (can some one help me understand if that's true, whether that makes a ruby shine more with the light. I don't see this kind of cut option on websites) , seems fairly red for quite a bit cheaper.

http://www.gemsny.com/loose-ruby/1.13-Carat-Round-Ruby-R20131RD/

I'm not definitely not going to buy eBay mount. I think my option for that is just going to be to get It made.

He also said that he's been having problems with 18k rose gold as It tends to be more malleable and he thinks It would be wiser to go with 14k. Does anyone know if that's true? None of the other jewelers have mentioned that to me.

 

[Nsmike]

I posted the Gems NY stone so I'll tell you what I see. The UGL Report, while not from the best lab, it's sufficient. It's definitely native cut and decent, but not great, if it were better cut, it would cost more. I love brilliancy in a stone, which draws me to this stone, but the pictures aren't good enough to tell for sure. I would request better pictures. Gems NY does stand behind their stones with a 30 day return policy. They are a reputable dealer and will make it right if find out that the gem isn't what was represented. The flip side of the coin is that, as a dealer in commercial grade stones, their price is probably higher than some of the other vendors. Your paying a premium for availability and selection.

 

[chroman]

. I am worried a bit that the stone Will look to small, but he said he doesn't think so. I

I wonder if you could use bigger melee around the center stone to get a bit more finger coverage, if you are worried about size. If you are getting a jeweler to custom build the piece, that might be something to explore.

18k rose gold as It tends to be more malleable

18K is going to be softer than 14K, that is true. But on a slightly different tack, have you looked at a ruby against rose gold to check that you like the color combination? Just a simple band will do - have the jeweler pull out some reference metal in rose and yellow, in both 18 and 14, if available, and just see how they feel.

. All the other jewelers that Ihave talked to have shown me ruby closer to the Left obes.What do you all think?

You are wise to avoid the ones on the left!! It sounds like one you have seen is solid choice (she likes it!!) assuming there is no funny business. It sounds like it must have a pretty good cut given what you are describing (but I wouldnt put too much stock in the "cut like a diamond" business. That sounds like mumbo jumbo)

For instance, this looks like a bigger stone

To me, I'd put the gemfix 1.06 above the gems ny 1.13, as it doesnt look as silky, and the 1.13 has a wonky profile. But thats just me.
But the pearlman's .80 is probably the best yet in what we've seen online. Would you consider ordering your favorite of the online vendors to see it in person (and return it if you prefer the local stone, assuming its not mostly glass)?

 

[RubyGent]

. I am worried a bit that the stone Will look to small, but he said he doesn't think so. I

I wonder if you could use bigger melee around the center stone to get a bit more finger coverage, if you are worried about size. If you are getting a jeweler to custom build the piece, that might be something to explore.

18k rose gold as It tends to be more malleable

18K is going to be softer than 14K, that is true. But on a slightly different tack, have you looked at a ruby against rose gold to check that you like the color combination? Just a simple band will do - have the jeweler pull out some reference metal in rose and yellow, in both 18 and 14, if available, and just see how they feel.

. All the other jewelers that Ihave talked to have shown me ruby closer to the Left obes.What do you all think?

You are wise to avoid the ones on the left!! It sounds like one you have seen is solid choice (she likes it!!) assuming there is no funny business. It sounds like it must have a pretty good cut given what you are describing (but I wouldnt put too much stock in the "cut like a diamond" business. That sounds like mumbo jumbo)

For instance, this looks like a bigger stone

To me, I'd put the gemfix 1.06 above the gems ny 1.13, as it doesnt look as silky, and the 1.13 has a wonky profile. But thats just me.
But the pearlman's .80 is probably the best yet in what we've seen online. Would you consider ordering your favorite of the online vendors to see it in person (and return it if you prefer the local stone, assuming its not mostly glass)?

thanks for all the information! I do like the one from pearlmans alot too. I'd be okay with buying it online knowing i can return it, as long as it's from a reputable place that people have had experience on here with and know that i can trust them in the event of a return. I might try to contact them and see if they do the discount if paid in full like Neil suggested i think. There was another jewler or two that i talked to who is able to make the mount for a bit cheaper and were just as nice to talk to; however, they just never showed me any ruby quite as vibrant. One even went as far as to start making the autocad drawings and such for me and quoted the mount at $1100 instead of $1500 as the guy with the vibrant red ruby. So part of me thinks like it might not be a bad idea to buy the ruby online and have the one who is quoting $1100 for the mount make the ring.

Thanks for the info on the diamond cut. I know it doesn't look like it in the pictures as much, but the ruby on the right, the one that he kept saying was cut more like a diamond just refracted light beautifully compared to the milky pink ones on the left. It looked almost as vibrant as the one bellow that rockysalamandor posted. I asked him if the stone was fracture filled and he said no, he said he doesn't sell anything like that because he doesn't believe it is good for the business and also why he won't go synthetic.

I know you had recommended intergem on the first page, and i think we are going to go to it this weekend! I'm not sure if we will purchase from there, but i thought it might be fun to do together and get a chance to look at the different kind of stones available and the quality. Anything we should look out for in particular?

 

[distracts]

I haven't looked up who will be at what Intergem there is this weekend but Vance Gems and Prima Gems are two vendors I have bought from on multiple occasions. They have high quality stuff, are honest about treatments, are really incredibly helpful to people who are new to gems and interested in learning more, and all my experiences with them have been great.

 

[rockysalamander]

I'm glad someone mentioned the 'cut like a diamond' comment. Marketing mumbo jumbo. If you cut a ruby like a diamond, it would be flat and have no life. They have different crystal structures.

What about red spinel? It is just below ruby/sapphire for hardness and you can find great reds. They are usually less expensive than ruby and you can put the extra money toward excellent cutting and the setting. Just a few I found...

http://shop.pristinegemstonejewelry.com/products/red-spinel-oval-precision-cut-fine-loose-gemstone-for-engagement-ring-anniversary-ring
https://www.etsy.com/listing/245617591/090ct-red-spinel-oval?ref=shop_home_active_64

http://www.customgemstones.com/SPINEL/sp1563.html {may be a bit too dark}

http://www.spectralgems.net/ruby/rubyrd1_13ct_9508/ {no price listed}

http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/ceylon_spinel_1_47_carat/13262/18556

 

[chrono]

It looks more lively because it isn't opaque like the 3 rubies to its left. When it is opaque, light doesn't pass through and therefore, isn't reflected back to the eye the same way a transparent or translucent stone is. It doesn't have much to do with cut because the cut doesn't look that great in the video but it's not horrible either.

Included under "heat" treatment is also the healing of fissures with traces of flux. How much of that is acceptable? This is typically not disclosed or even mentioned at all. Also note that Mong Hsu rubies are also from Burma.
http://www.ruby-sapphire.com/flux_healing_mong_hsu_ruby.htm

 

[chroman]

Another thought - if you are going to talk with local jewelers about the fabrication, ask to see some of their finished pieces they've done in the past (or phitos thereof).

 

[the_mother_thing]

Just dropping these options here for consideration since they tick off a couple of OP's goals and are in/near budget.

Both are vintage styles and note rings to be fully sizeable, but Grace could probably elaborate more on that if you inquire.

Pinkish-red Ruby w/diamond halo in yellow gold - $3295
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-75ctw-antique-ruby-and-old-european-cut-diamond-ring#.V8Ag-Hj3aK0

More "red" Ruby with diamond halo in yellow gold - $1925 (sale price)
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-75ct-est-ruby-halo-ring#.V8AhrHj3aK0

 

[Sungura]

RubyGent

I am glad you have seen a ruby that excites you both. I strongly suggest you look at several good quality rubies before making the final decision. Ordering one like those suggested by PSers on Gemfix and Perlmans is a good idea as they can be returned. Good luck in your search!